Switchback in concert Friday night at Steyer Opera House

Switchback is performing a spring dance Friday, April 25, at 8 p.m. at the Steyer Opera House in the historic Hotel Winneshiek.

Attendees are invited to dress in their finest spring plaid; the winner, chosen by the audience, will receive a night’s stay at the Hotel Winneshiek.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m., withSwitchback taking the stage at 8 p.m. Cash bar and food are available for purchase. hotelwinn.com.

About the band
For over two decades, Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack, known as Switchback, have entertained crowds with their unique American Roots -- Celtic Soul blend of music. Brian and Martin play an exciting mix of mandolin, guitar and bass. Their harmonies have earned them comparisons to famous duos such as the Louvin Brothers, the Everly Brothers and Simon and Garfunkel.

Music Connection Magazine said of Switchback: “The words ‘American Roots and Celtic Soul’ only begin to describe this unusual act, whose vocal prowess is as pure as it is unique … there is no denying the stunning vocal blends that are achieved by this duo.”

Their Celtic music is authentically Irish, drawing praise from such traditional players as Matt Malloy of the group the Chieftains. Ireland has taken Switchback to her heart, with performances at art centers throughout the country and appearances on RTE (Raidió Teilifís Éireann). At the same time, their music is modern Celtic, with songs capturing the Irish of today as accurately as the Pogues and singer-songwriters like Christy Moore.

But to pay attention only to the Celtic side of Switchback would be a disservice to the unique American roots music crafted by FitzGerald and McCormack. None other than the Grammy Award-winning producer Lloyd Maines chose to work with Switchback in producing three of their albums and considers the duo one of the most important acts playing Americana music today.

Their latest collaboration has resulted in Switchback’s 13th album “Kanoka.” With the soaring pedal steel of Maines along with the boxcar-hopping harmonica of Chicago’s own Howard Levy, Switchback has created a musical journey that will make every Midwesterner proud of the heartland and every non-Midwesterner longing for it.